Engine



May 23, 1939.

R. K. LEE. 2,159,333.

ENGINE Filed Sept. 25, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 5 INVENTOR figger Lee.

May 23,

R. K. LEE ENGINE Filed Sept. 25, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Foyer hf ATTOR 5Y5.

Patented May 23, 1939 UNETED STATES PATENT OFFICE ENGINE Application September 25, i936, Serial No. 102,484

6 Claims.

This invention relates to internal combustion engines and refers more particularly to improvements in engine cylinder head structures and parts associated therewith One object of my invention is to provide an improved and more efficient cylinder head structure of relatively light weight and low cost.

Another object of my invention is to provide a cylinder head structure having improved uniformity of cooling whereby heat transfer is uniform. By providing a cylinder head which in operation maintains uniform transfer of heat, improved performance and economyis effected for the engine with which it is used. A further object of my invention resides in the provision of an improved cylinder head having an inherent relatively small degree of deflection for deadening the fuel mixture explosion by lowering the frequency of vibration of the cylinder head.

A still further object of my invention is to provide an improved cylinder head structure in which the combustion chamber wall or dome is formed in whole or in part as a stamping. I have further provided a-novel composite cylinder head which is fabricated in an improved manner. Such structures are especially beneficial in connection with radial engines or engines having other cylinder arrangements affording ample seating and sealing space for the flanges of the cylinder heads. Another object of my invention resides in the provision of a cylinder head structure incorporating a cooling medium tank, thereby providing for an improved relationship in a radiator and engine installation in the vehicle. Thus, the available frontal opening in the vehicle structure for receiving the radiator may be more efiiciently utilized since none of this opening is restricted by the usual radiator tank. While I preferably 10- 4o cate the upper radiator tank on the engine, the

lower tank also may be carried on the engine, if desired. Also, the engine, especially when of the radial type, may, by reason of my improvements, be positioned at a more desirable elevation relative to the radiator to compactly arrange these carbon accumulating tendency, thereby effecting improved economy and performance, and reduced servicing costs; to provide an improved cylinder head structure which permits finer accuracies to be maintained in its manufacture, thus allowing iii a higher compression ratio; and to provide an improved cylinder head having improved uniformity of wall cross-section as compared with that of ordinary cast cylinder heads having the inherent casting difiiculty of shifting cores.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be more apparent from the following illustrative embodiments thereof, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary end elevational view of a radial engine with a portion of one cylinder thereof broken away to illustrate the details of my improved cylinder head construction.

Fig. 2 is a top plan View of my improved cylinder head.

Fig. 3 is a side sectional view of my improved cylinder head taken as indicated by the line 33 15 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a side sectional view of my improved cylinder head showing a slightly different construction.

Fig, 5 is a diagrammatic View of a radial engine and radiator assembly illustrating a further em- 20 bodiment of my improved cylinder head construction.

Fig. 6 is a side View of the radial engine and radiator assembly shown in Fig. 5. 25

Fig. '7 is a side sectional view of my improved cylinder head taken as indicated by the line 'l-'l of Fig. 5.

Referring to the drawings, I have illustrated my improved cylinder head and parts associated 30 therewith in a radial type engine wherein the engine cylinders are radially disposed about the engine crankshaft. While my improvements are especially adapted for use with radial engines of any number of cylinders, I desire to point out 35 that my improvements may, if desired, be used with other well known types of engines wherein the cylinders are positioned in various other well known arrangements. The engine cylinders are further preferably of the well known L-head 0 type which is especially adapted for installation and removal of my improved cylinder head structure.

A top member or cylinder head it] is removably seated on the outer face of each cylinder by a plurality of fasteners ll. Each cylinder head In is provided with a Water jacket space I 2 communicating with adjacent cylinder heads through a plurality of water jacket flanges l3 and water 0 passages l4, passages l4 being affixed to the flange 13 by fasteners 15. A water outlet extension [6 is mounted on the top-most head It) and secured thereto by fasteners l1. Each cylinder head has a spark plug l8 associated therewith for firing the charge in the cylinder in the well known manner.

The spark plug i8 is received in a threaded hole l9 communicating with a combustion chamber 26, best shown in Figs. 1 and 3. Threaded holes 2| are provided to receive the flanges l3 which extend inwardly to the water jacket space I2. The extension l6 has a passage therein cooperating with an aperture 22 in the dome portion of the head Ill threaded holes 23 being provided around the outer edges of the aperture 22 r to receive the fasteners l1 for securing the extension l6 thereto while holes 24 are provided. around the outer edges of the head to receive the fasteners II for securing the head to the cylinder block 25. I

These cylinder heads consist preferably of stamped sheet-metal members suitably held assembled by the well-known hydrogen-welding process. The head Ill also is so constructed, its design being like that of the heads l except that the water outlet extension I6 has been incorporated, as aforementioned.

A wall member .26 providing the combustion chamber 20, best shown in Fig. 3, is formed of a single stamping. Secured to the wall member 26 is a casing member 21 formed of stampings and providing the cooling jacket space [2 therein.

The member2'l may be made of a lighter gauge of sheet metal than the member 26 as shown. Thus, although the member 26 usually will require a relatively heavy gauge of sheet metal to withstand the pressure of the igniting fuel gas, it is possible to use a lighter gauge for the member 21, and thereby effect more efficient cooling of the combustion chamber 20 as well as a saving in weight and space.

During the stamping operation in forming the member 21, the aperture 22 and two other apertures 2| for the flanges l3 are preferably formed. A threaded flange member 2| is then welded, or attached by other suitable means, to each of the apertures 2W to receive therein the flange I3. A reinforcing member 28 is welded over the aperture 22 in the member 21 which has an aperture 22 aligned with the aperture 22 The threaded holes 23 may then be produced to receive the fasteners H.

The members 26 and 2'! are then novelly united by bending the entire outer edge of the member 21 over the extreme outer edge of the member 26, as at 29. Thereupon the portion of the member 21 in direct contact with the member 26, which portion extends completely around the outer portion of the member 26, as substantially shown at 30, is hydrogen-welded thereto.

The holes 24 and an aperture l9 to receive therein a threaded thimble I 9* may then be drilled or stamped through both of members 26 and 21. This may be followed by inserting the thimble 19 into the aperture l9 and securing preferably during said welding. The thimble l9 has a tight fit on assembly to clamp the member 21 with member 26 and to also facilitate the weld at this point.

Referring now to the operation of my improved cylinder head, when the radial engine illustrated in Fig. 1 is operating, hot water flows from the heads I0 upwardly toward the head Ill entering therein through water passages l4 and flanges l 3. Thereupon the water passes upwardly through the water jacket space I2 of the head l0 toward the extension I6 and thence to the usual radiator (not shown).

The composite construction of my cylinder head, especially the forming of the member 21 of a lighter gauge than that of the member 26, provides uniform and rapid transfer of heat. Improved performance and economy is thereby effected for theengine.

By using a sheet-metal stampingfor the mem- V ber 26, a relatively small degree of deflection therein is provided in the portion forming the combustion chamber 28. This deflection substantially deadens the fuel mixture explosion by lowering the frequency of vibration of the cylinder head. 7

The metal forming the combustion chamber in cast cylinder heads has greater surface porosity and natural roughness of surface than any sheetmetal members which would ordinarily be used in forming the combustion chamber 20 of my cylinder head. Thereby a cylinder head structure is provided which has a minimum of carbon accumulating tendency. Furthermore, in an internal combustion engine there is a greater tendency for carbon to accumulate on oxide scales 7 section as compared with that of ordinary cast 7 cylinder heads having the inherent casting difficulty of shifting cores.

Referring to Fig. 4, I have shown another embodiment of my cylinder head, the construction and operation being substantially the same as that illustrated in the earlier described embodiment, the only difference being that the member 26 of Fig. 3 is formed in Fig. 4 of two stamped members welded together. The portion 26 of the member 26' forming the combustion chamber 20 is stamped separately from the flat portion 26 of the member 26. The portion 26 has a tight fit with member 26 on assembly thereof to assist in holding these parts together and in facilitating the weld therebetween. After assembly of these parts they arethen hydrogen-welded together, or suitably joined by other means, the weld extending entirely around the extreme outer portion of the combustion chamber portion 26 as at 3|. This construction permits, if desired, the use of less complicated stamping dies than that for the Figs. 1, 2 and 3 structure. It also permits using a lighter gauge of sheet-metal for the flat portion 26 than is used for the portion 26 thereby effecting a saving in weight and cost.

Referring now to Figs. 5, 6 and '7, I have shown still another embodiment of my cylinder head, the construction and operation being substantially the same as that illustrated in the earlier described embodiments, and I have indicated mem- 65 bers of different construction but similar function by primed reference characters.

The radial engine cylinder block 25 is mounted rearwardly of a cooling radiator 32, this block having removably seated on its top-most cylin der a cylinder head I0, the other heads Ill being identical to head II] in Fig. l. The head Hi is provided with a cooling medium tank or reservoir member 21' which is positioned higher than the radiator 32 and communicates with adjacent cylinder heads Ill through the water jacket flanges I3 and water passages Id.

The water outlet extension I6 is mounted on the forwardly side portion of the head It) and secured thereto by welding and a plurality of the fasteners l1 and communicates with the radiator 32.

Head la has the spark plug l8 associated therewith for firing the charge in the cylinder in the well known manner.

A removable filler cap 33 is mounted atop the head Ill for supplying water to the cooling system of the engine.

The member 26 forming the combustion chamber 29 is identical with the Fig. 3 construction but the casing member 2? of Fig. 3 has been replaced by the stamped reservoir member 2'! which is large enough to function as the cooling medium tank used in most liquid cooling systems.

The threaded flange members li the reinforcing member 28, the threaded thimble I9 and the members 26 and 2? are hydrogen-welded, or suitably joined by other means, to their respective positions of Fig. 7 substantially as previously explained for the Fig. 3 construction.

A filler neck 34 is welded, or attached by other suitable methods, to the member 21 and threaded at its other end to receive thereon the filler cap 33.

Mounted between the lower portion of the radiator 32 and the block 25 to communicate therebetween is a conduit 35, one end thereof being connected to a radiator outlet 36 and the other end being received by the block 25 which, if desired, may have a suitable water pump to impel the cooling medium through the cooling system. The conduit 35 is thus adapted to cooperate with the extension IB' in completing the engine cooling system.

With reference to the operation of the cooling system of Figs. 5, 6, hot water flows upwardly from the lower heads H! to the reservoir member 27, entering therein through the passages l4 and flanges I3, from whence it passes through the extension It to the radiator. Additional cooling medium may be added to the system through the neck 34.

By incorporating the reservoir member 21' in the cylinder head w and above the level of the radiator 32, it is possible to lower and tilt the radiator as desired relative to its engine. Furthermore, such positioning will insure the maintaining of the cooling medium level above the level in the radiator 32. There will be a natural thermo-syphoning action even when a cooling medium pump is not provided or when the engine is inoperative, and it will not be possible to trap air in the engine or the radiator 32.

With the arrangement illustrated, the available frontal opening in the vehicle structure for receiving the radiator may be more efficiently utilized since none of this opening is restricted by the usual upper radiator tank. Also, the engine, especially when of the radial type, may be positioned at a more desirable elevation relative to the radiator to compactly arrange these parts in the vehicle; filling the radiator is also facilitated by my improvements.

I furthermore do not limit my invention, in the broader aspects thereof, to any particular combination and arrangement of parts such as shown and described for illustrative purposes, since various modifications will be apparent from the teachings of my invention and scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In combination, an internal combustion engine of the radially arranged cylinder type comprising a plurality of wall members each providing a combustion chamber for a respective cylinder, a casing member secured to each of said wall members and providing a cooling jacket therefor, and a radiator for said engine, one of said casing members providing an upper tank for said radiator.

2. In combination, an internal combustion engine having a plurality of radially arranged cy1-- inders, a head structure for each of said cylinders, each of said head structures including a water jacket, and cooling means for said engine comprising a radiator communicating with said Water jackets, one of said cylinders being disposed adjacent one end of said radiator and having its water jacket of relatively great capacity with respect to the other of said water jackets to provide a tank for said radiator.

3. In combination, an internal combustion of the radially arranged type including a plurality of cylinders each having a cylinder head, cooling means for said engine including a radiator, a water jacket for each of said heads communicating with said radiator, one of said cylinders being disposed adjacent one end of said radiator and having its water jacket of relatively great capac ity with respect to the other of said water jackets to constitute a tank for said radiator, said last named jacket being positioned higher than said radiator and engine.

4. In an internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders, a cylinder head structure for each of said cylinders, each of said structures including a stamped metallic wall member having marginal portions, each of said wall members having a raised portion intermediate said marginal portions providing a combustion chamber for the adjacent cylinder, and stamped metallic casing members secured to said marginal portions of a respective wall member and spanning the raised intermediate portion of the latter, each of said casing members constituting a cooling jacket for the adjacent combustion chamber, the raised portion of each of said wall members being free from engagement with that portion of its casing member spanning said combustion chamber for accommodating limited deflection of said raised portion in response to forces created by the explosion of fuel mixture in said combustion chamber.

5. In an internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders, a cylinder head structure for each of said cylinders, each of said structures including a stamped metallic wall member having marginal portions and an opening intermediate the latter, a stamped wall member extending into said opening and providing a combustion chamber for the adjacent cylinder, and stamped metallic casing members secured to said marginal portions of said first mentioned wall members respectively and constituting a cooling jacket for the adjacent combustion chamber, each of said casing members having a portion thereof spanning a respective combustion chamber, each of said last named portions being free from engagement with its adjacent combustion chamber forming Wall member to the extent of freely accommodating a limited deflection of said latter member in response to forces created by the explosion of fuel mixture in said combustion chamber.

6. In an internal combustion engine including a cooling system and a plurality of cylinders, a cylinder head structure for each of said cylinders, each of said structures including a wall member having marginal portions and a raised portion providing a combustion chamber for the adjacent cylinder, and stamped metallic casing members secured to the marginal portions of a respective Wall member and spanning the raised portion of the latter, each of said casing members constituting a cooling jacket for the adjacent combustion chamber, one of said casing members ing the flow of a cooling medium for said cooling system.

ROGER K. LEE. 

